World Civilizations

Fall 2008

Religions of India

Writing Assignment

The Vedic Faiths have their roots in the Indus River Valley civilizations and the Aryans that invaded this region. One of the oldest religions in the world that is still widely practiced today, Hinduism, and one of the religions that came out of it, Buddhism, are rooted in the ideas of karma, reincarnation, and enlightenment. Understanding the religions that people practice helps us understand how they make meaning of the world around them.

For this essay, then, you will examine the similarities and differences between Hinduism and Buddhism. Specifically, the question you will seek to answer is:

How and why are the ideas of karma, reincarnation, and enlightenment essential elements of Hinduism and Buddhism?

You will use information from both Hinduism and Buddhism to answer this question. Your essay will use the following structure to make your argument:

• Paragraph 1 – Introduction and thesis statement

• Paragraph 2 – What are karma, reincarnation, and enlightenment? Why are they essential roots of the Vedic faiths?

• Paragraph 3 – What roles do these roots play in Hinduism – how is it unique?

• Paragraph 4 – What roles do these roots play in Buddhism – how is it unique?

• Paragraph 5 – Conclusion – be sure to address our essential question of the semester: how do these Vedic faiths help us understand how their followers make meaning…

Expectations This assessment is designed to help me understand what you learned about the religions in India. This is meant to be an INDIVIDUAL endeavor. You may NOT consult with your classmates, tutors, parents or others for this assignment. All of the writing will be your own, and will be done in class on Friday, November 7.

In this essay you will:

• have a thesis statement that answers the above questions;

• use specific evidence from class, including, if appropriate, quotes from resources (see above) – please cite these sources properly if included;

• demonstrate thoughtful analysis, by explaining how your evidence supports your opinion;

• write well-structured paragraphs with topic sentences;

• write an effective and original introduction and conclusion;

• edit for mechanics – spelling, punctuation and grammar; and

• word process: double-space, 12 point Times New Roman font and 1” margins.

This paper will be approximately 3 pages in length.

See “Religions of India Essay Outline” for guidance on preparation.

World Civilizations

Fall 2008

Religions of India Essay Outline

Directions: Use the following as a guide to help you construct your final essay for this unit. Please fill out this outline – you will hand this in with your paper.

Paragraph 1: Introduction and Thesis Statement

It’s essential that you set some context here. This paragraph should be 5-7 sentences…

• Start with a hook: how can you capture the reader’s attention? Think about an anecdote, event, or idea that will engage the reader.

• What historical context do you need to give so that the reader will understand your thesis? What background information will introduce the topic effectively?

• How and why are the ideas of karma, reincarnation, and enlightenment essential elements of Hinduism and Buddhism? (Answer this question clearly and concisely to create your thesis statement.)

Paragraph 2: First Body Paragraph

• What are the ideas of karma, reincarnation, and enlightenment? Why are they essential to understanding the Vedic faiths? (Answer this question with a statement of opinion to create your topic sentence.)

• What are two (or three) RELEVANT examples that illustrate this opinion? (I suggest you clearly explain your understanding of these three ideas: karma, reincarnation, and enlightenment. Again, be sure to support your ideas with SPECIFIC EVIDENCE and VOCAB.)

1.)

2.)

3.)

• Analysis: Why is this evidence relevant and significant? (What conclusion can be drawn from the examples in this paragraph? Why do these examples help prove your topic sentence to be correct? Be sure to tie this evidence back to the essential question and thesis statement. Begin to transition to the next paragraph on Hinduism...)

Paragraph 3: Second Body Paragraph

• What roles do karma, reincarnation, and enlightenment play in Hinduism? Why an essential part of this religion? (Answer this question with a statement of opinion to create your topic sentence.)

• What are two (or three) RELEVANT examples that illustrate this opinion? (How will I demonstrate thorough understanding of Hinduism? Again, be sure to support your ideas with SPECIFIC EVIDENCE and VOCAB.)

1.)

2.)

3.)

• Analysis: Why is this evidence relevant and significant? (What conclusion can be drawn from the examples in this paragraph? Why do these examples help prove your topic sentence to be correct? Be sure to tie this evidence back to the essential question and thesis statement. Begin to transition to the next paragraph on Buddhism...)

Paragraph 4: Third Body Paragraph

• What roles do karma, reincarnation, and enlightenment play in Buddhism? Why an essential part of this religion? (Answer this question with a statement of opinion to create your topic sentence.)

• What are two (or three) RELEVANT examples that illustrate this opinion? (How will I demonstrate thorough understanding of Buddhism? Again, be sure to support your ideas with SPECIFIC EVIDENCE and VOCAB.)

1.)

2.)

3.)

• Analysis: Why is this evidence relevant and significant? (What conclusion can be drawn from the examples in this paragraph? Why do these examples help prove your topic sentence to be correct? Begin to transition to your concluding paragraph...)

Paragraph 5: Conclusion

Do try to end your essay memorably…

• What phrase serves as a transition from the body of the paper?

• How do the main ideas of Hinduism and Buddhism help us understand how their followers make meaning of the world around them? How, then, does this connect to the ideas of karma, reincarnation and enlightenment?

• What thought-provoking statement concludes the essay? How can I “expand the scope of my argument” and leave the reader something to think about? (So what? Why is the topic of this essay important? How does it relate to other eras of history, your life, or to the world today?) Be specific!